September 2015 Public Opinion Survey in Ukraine

While a majority of Ukrainians is disappointed with the current state of affairs in the country and does not have much confidence in their political leaders, a significant block remains committed to democratic ideals and the rule of law, and prefers that Ukraine look toward Europe and the West for its geo-political orientation, according to a new survey conducted by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES).

The survey also finds that the Maidan revolution is closely associated by the public with aspirations for a liberal political order that values closer relations with Europe, public affairs conducted with integrity, and democracy and rule of law. Close to half of all Ukrainians (49%) believe that democracy is preferable to any other form of government while 21 percent believe that in certain situations, a non-democratic form of government can be preferable.

In addition to continued support for democracy, the IFES survey also finds that half of Ukrainians believe that the country would better off with closer political and economic relations with Europe than with Russia. Overall, 49 percent believe that Ukraine would be better off with closer relations with Europe, while 8 percent prefer closer relations with Russia.

More than half of all Ukrainians (56%) believe the country is headed in the wrong direction while only 20 percent believe it is headed in the right direction. The view that the country is headed in the wrong direction is widely shared across the country with a majority in each region voicing this opinion, and in no region do more than 28 percent believe the country is headed in the right direction.

IFES conducted its 25th annual public opinion survey in Ukraine between September 12 and 26 in all oblasts of Ukraine outside Crimea and Donbas, covering views on democracy, government institutions and leaders, current events, foreign policy, and upcoming October 25 local elections.